I personally celebrate the winter Solstice as a holiday. It usually occurs on December 21, but is sometimes December 22. It’s the shortest night of the year. I celebrate it because it’s heralds the return of the sun; days start getting longer the very next day. For that reason, Solstice is like New Year’s Eve with the next day the first day of my year. Happy New Year!

So I say “happy holidays” to my friends and other people I meet.

It’s not because I have anything against Christmas. I like Christmas. I put up a tree and decorate my home. I bake cookies that I share with neighbors and friends. And I exchange gifts with family members.

It’s not because I have anything against Christians. I think people should have the right to believe (or not believe) anything they like — as long as they don’t force that belief on others.

And that’s where it gets sticky. Being required or expected to say “merry Christmas” — just because some Christians are offended when I don’t use the standard greeting for their specific December holiday — is a little unreasonable. How do I know the person I’m greeting celebrates Christmas? Should I ask? Isn’t that awkward?

By saying “happy holidays,” I’m offering up my sincere best wishes for whatever December holiday you celebrate. I’m including any holiday — religious or otherwise. Isn’t that better than wishing people who might not celebrate Christmas a “merry Christmas”?

And, for the record, I’m not offended when someone wishes me “merry Christmas.” Why would anyone be offended when wished “happy holidays”?

I know this is a little, but I’ve been thinking about the holiday/Christmas thing a lot more since moving to NZ. Here Christmas is BIG, and is anticipated and celebrated lavishly. Cities and towns put up Christmas trees and decorations (though not manger scenes), and everyone wishes each other a “Happy Christmas”. The thing is, it’s a diverse, highly secular country, where being a Christian is the exception rather than the norm. Christmas here is all about having plenty of time off (12 days for me, which is typical for a government worker), hanging out with family or friends, preferably at the beach, and hoping the weather gods (small case) will bring a sunny and warm 25th. And yes, there’s plenty consumer frenzy and gift giving, my least favorite aspect of the season. So I’ve decided to embrace Christmas in its contemporary Kiwi form without trying to guess what deity someone may or may not follow. Happy (late) Christmas!

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